Course Descriptions

Percussion Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the instruments of the percussion family with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Prerequisite: ability to read music Offered in alternate years.

MUS 600

Graduate Studies in Music Theory and Analysis

Exploration of varied analytic techniques helpful in performing, listening, and composing. Includes review of chromatic harmony and voice-leading, Schenkerian analysis, and in-depth study of selected scores.

MUS 601

Graduate Studies in Musicology

Introduction to music bibliography library procedures for music, history, and research. Knowledge gained from undergraduate survey courses serves as point of departure for detailed studies in selected areas. Students present informal reports and formal papers to the class.

MUS 602

Medieval and Renaissance Music Literature

Detailed survey of music examples from 600 to 1600, with emphasis on the definition of style and its expression by individual composers. Approaches include performance, analysis, and research methods. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 602

Medieval and Renaissance Music Literature

Detailed survey of music examples from 600 to 1600, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by individual composers. Approaches include performance, analysis and research methods. Prerequisite: MUS 300. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 603

Baroque Music Literature

Study of musical examples from 1600 to 1750, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by individual composers. Approaches include performance, analysis, and research methods. Prerequisite: MUS 300. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 603

Baroque Music Literature

Examples of music written from 1600 to 1750 are studied, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by composers. Approaches include performance, analysis, and research methods. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 604

Classical Music Literature

Exploration of music written between 1750 and 1820, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by individual composers. Approaches include performance analysis, and research methods. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 604

Classical Music Literature

Exploration of music written between 1750 and 1820, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by individual composers. Approaches include performance, analysis, and research methods. Prerequisite: MUS 301. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 605

Romantic Music Literature

Survey of music written between 1820 and 1900, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by individual composers. Approaches include performance, analysis, and research methods. Prerequisite: MUS 301. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 605

Romantic Music Literature

Survey of music written between 1820 to 1900, with emphasis on the definition of style and how it is expressed by individual composers. Approaches include performance, analysis, and research methods. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 606

Twentieth-Century Music Literature

Detailed study of music examples from the twentieth-century, with the goal of examining the basic directions of contemporary music. Included are neoclassicism, nationalism, classical and post-Webern serialism, eclecticism, indeterminacy, electronics, and jazz. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 606

Twentieth-Century Music Literature

Examination and appreciation of the styles and major composers of the Twentieth Century. Detailed study of selected works. Prerequisite: MUS 301. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 607

World Music

Study of the basic elements of music outside of the usual European tradition including melody, rhythm, harmony, and form in the musics of the world. Emphasis on Latino, Asian, and African traditions. NU only.

MUS 607

World Music

Study of the basic elements of music outside of the usual European tradition including melody, rhythm, harmony, and form in the musics of the world. Emphasis on Latino, Asian, and African traditions. NU only.

MUS 608

Computer Music

Provides an introduction to electro-acoustic music through the study of electro-acoustic compositions, synthesis techniques and current computer applications. On completion, students should have a strong sense of the development of electro-acoustic music, a working knowledge of the supporting details (terminology, techniques, genres, composers, etc.) and an aural sense of different styles. Prerequisite: MUS 43 or permission. NU only.

MUS 610

Jazz Improvisation I

Study of jazz nomenclature, performance strategies, and resources for improvisation. Emphasis on applied ear-training and performance on the student’s major instrument. Prerequisite: MUS 102, 106, or permission.

Instrumental Music at the Pre-College Level

Methods and materials for teaching instrumental music in K–12 schools including concert and marching bands, orchestra, jazz and pop groups, social instruments, theory, and listening experiences. Prerequisite: MUS 335.

MUS 612

Instrumental Music at the Pre-College Level

Methods and materials for teaching instrumental music in K–12 schools including concert and marching bands, orchestra, jazz and pop groups, social instruments, theory, and listening experiences

MUS 614

Jazz Improvisation II

Study of advanced jazz improvisation with the goal of enabling students to develop styles of their own. Prerequisite: permission.

MUS 614

Jazz Improvisation II

Continuation of improvisation and performance strategies studied in Jazz Improvisation I. Emphasis on advanced eartraining, performance on student’s major instrument, and music transcription. Prerequisite: permission. May be repeated for degree credit for up to 4 credits.

MUS 616

Seminar: Woodwind instruments

Seminar in Woodwind Instruments

Reed-making, mouthpiece refacing, tuning, minor repairs, and mechanical adjustments. Emphasis on single reeds. Principles may be applied to other woodwinds. Prerequisite: permission. Offered as needed.

MUS 617

Piano Literature

Examination of the literature for solo piano, chamber music with piano, and piano concertos written from the mid-18th century to the present time. Music written for harpsichord and clavichord prior to 1750 but commonly performed on the piano also included. Stylistic, social, and cultural elements explored. Extensive listening and examination of scores. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered as needed.

MUS 617

Piano Literature

Literature for solo piano, chamber music with piano, and concertos written from the mid-18th century to the present. Music for harpsichord and clavichord prior to 1750 commonly performed on the piano also included. Stylistic, social, and cultural elements are explored. Extensive listening and examination of scores. Prereq uisite: ability to read music. Offered as needed.

German and Italian Vocal Literature and Diction

Exploration of literature for the voice in the German and Italian languages, and correct diction for each language. Includes learning and working with the International Phonetic Alphabet. NU only.

MUS 624

German and Italian Vocal Literature and Diction

Exploration of literature for the voice in the German and Italian languages and correct diction for each language. Also includes learning and working with the International Phonetic Alphabet. NU only. Offered every year.

MUS 625

English and French Vocal Literature and Diction

Exploration of literature for the voice in the English and French languages and correct diction for each language. Also includes learning and working with the International Phonetic Alphabet. NU only.

MUS 625

English and French Vocal Literature and Diction

Exploration of literature for the voice in the English and French languages, and correct diction for each language. Includes learning and working with the International Phonetic Alphabet. NU only.

MUS 628

Pedagogy

Principles and theories of pedagogy applied to the teaching of music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 628

Pedagogy

Principles and theories of pedagogy applied to the teaching of music. Prerequisites: MUS 101, 105. Open to majors or minors only. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 629A

Vocal Pedagogy

Supervised and observed studio teaching. University students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching each student’s instrument or voice. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 629A

Pedagogy Practicum: Vocal Pedagogy

Supervised and observed studio teaching. University students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching one’s own instrument or voice. Prerequisite: MUS 628. Offered in alternate years

MUS 629B

Pedagogy Practicum: Strings and Guitar

Supervised and observed studio teaching. university students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching one’s own instrument or voice. Prerequisite: MUS 628. Offered in alternate years

MUS 629B

Strings and Guitar

Supervised and observed studio teaching. University students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching each student’s instrument or voice. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 629C

Keyboard

Supervised and observed studio teaching. University students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching each student’s instrument or voice. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 629C

Pedagogy Practicum: Keyboard

Supervised and observed studio teaching. University students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching one’s own instrument. or voice. Prerequisite: MUS 628. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 629D

Pedagogy Practicum: Wind and Percussion

Supervised and observed studio teaching. University students teach two or more private students for an entire semester. One segment explores methods and materials appropriate for teaching each student’s instrument or voice. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 631

Percussion Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the instruments of the percussion family with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 633

Woodwind Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Music education and composition majors are given priority for use of University-owned instruments. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 633

Woodwind Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Music education and composition majors are given priority for use of University-owned instruments. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 634

Brass Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Music education and composition majors are given priority for use of University owned instruments. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 634

Brass Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Music education and composition majors are given priority for use of University-owned instruments. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 636

Advanced Choral Conducting

Introduction to the art of choral conducting. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 636

Advanced Choral Conducting

Introduction to the art of choral conducting. Prerequisites: MUS 101, MUS 105, MUS 335, and MUSI 124 or two semesters of MUSI 111. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 637

Advanced Instrumental Conducting

Continuation and development of conductingtechniques developed in MUS 335 or MUS 436. Application of these precepts to both choral and instrumental ensembles. Emphasis on preparing and conducting from full choral and orchestral scores. Prerequisite: MUS 335 or equivalent. NU only. Offered in alternate years.

Advanced Instrumental Conducting

Composition

The exploration and development of individual compositional styles through private lessons and class meetings. Projects and assignments are geared to each student’s background and experience. Prerequisite: Ability to read and notate music, basic keyboard skills. May be repeated for degree credit for a maximum of 16 credits. NU only.

MUS 638

Advanced Composition

Weekly seminar and private study toencourage further exploration and development of an individual compositional style. Coursework will include specific composing assignments, listening reports, and the completion of a performance-ready score, as well as individual composing projects. Prerequisite: Admission into the B.M. in Composition, or instructor’s permission. May be repeated for degree credit for a maximum of 16 credits. NU only.

MUS 639

Music in the Elementary School

Pre-professional methods and materials, with a focus on methods and techniques for early childhood through grade six. Includes melodic and rhythmic concepts, singing, instrumental skills on rhythm and percussion instruments, autoharp and recorder, Orff-Kodaly for the classroom, writing for off instruments, and Orff orchestration. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 639

Music in the Elementary School

Pre-professional methods and materials, with a focus on methods and techniques for early childhood through grade six. Units include the philosophical, historical, and psychological foundations of music education, planning for and assessment of music learning, as well as the methods of Off, Kodaly, Dalcroze, Edwin G. Gordon and Comprehensive Musicianship. Prerequisite: MUS 335 or permission. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 641

Marching Band Techniques

Study and experience in various charting procedures including Step-two, Asymmetrical, Corps style, and computer charting. Developing effective rehearsal techniques, philosophical considerations, and arranging for a marching band. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 641

Marching Band Techniques

Study and experience in various charting procedures including Step-two, Asymmetrical, Corps style, and computer charting. Developing effective rehearsal techniques, philosophical considerations, and arranging for the marching band. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 643

Instrumentation

This is a historical and practical study of instrumentation with an emphasis on specific techniques related to writing for orchestral instruments. Prerequisite: MUS 356. Offered as needed. NU only.

MUS 644

Church Music Seminar

Study of selected topics in church music with an emphasis on practical applications in the field. Areas of study announced annually. May be repeated for degree credit. Prerequisite: permission. Offered as needed.

MUS 644

Church Music Seminar

Study of selected topics in church music with emphasis on practical applications in the field. Areas of study announced in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: MUS 101, 105, or permission. May be repeated once for degree credit. Offered as needed.

MUS 645

Score Study and Analysis

This seminar is the study of musical coherence and formal structure as seen in orchestral and choral works written from the mid18th century to the late 20th century. The structural investigation of each work will be based on harmonic and thematic design, motive elaboration, text selection and orchestration. Prerequisite: permission. Offered as needed. NU only.

MUS 646

Conducting Rehearsal Techniques

This course will introduce students to a variety of rehearsal techniques through conductor observation/discussion, weekly readings and podium time. Each student will be required to observe conductors on a weekly basis and report their findings to the class. Prerequisite: permission. Offered as needed. NU only.

MUS 647

History of Opera and Musical Theater

Survey of the development of music and theatre, and their inevitable marriage from the early Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Hebrew civilizations through medieval liturgical drama and pastoral plays, arriving at the eventuality of opera in the Seventeenth Century. Subsequent maturation of opera, and the delineation of Twentieth-Century models of operetta and popular musical theatre. NU and EV only. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 647

History of Opera

Survey of the development of music and theatre, and their inevitable marriage from the early Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Hebrew civilizations through medieval liturgical drama and pastoral plays, arriving at the eventuality of opera in the Seventeenth Century. Subsequent maturation of opera, and the delineation of Twentieth-Century models of operetta and popular musical theatre. NU and EV only. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 648

Jazz-Commercial Arranging

Students analyze the realization of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic scoring of popular and semi-classical music in a variety of styles (e.g., jazz, Latin, rock, Dixie, etc.) for individual sections, combos, and major conducted ensembles, including string, winds, brass, percussion, and keyboards. Prerequisite: MUS 102 or permission. Offered as needed.

MUS 648

Jazz-Commercial Arranging

Early Childhood Music/Kodály Methods I

Introduction to early childhood musicaldevelopment and Kodály approach for birth to first-grade music education. Emphasizes age-appropriate music activities, quality music materials, and teaching techniques based on research of children’s musical abilities. Sequential lesson planning, movement, singing, instruments, improvisations, and music literacy are addressed. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 649

Early Childhood Music/Kodály Methods I

Introduction to early childhood musical development and Kodály approach for birth to first-grade music education. Emphasizes age-appropriate music activities, quality music materials, and teaching techniques based on research of children’s musical abilities. Sequential lesson planning, movement, singing, instruments, improvisations, and music literacy are addressed. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 651

String Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the violin, viola, cello, and double bass with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Music education and composition majors are given priority for use of University-owned instruments. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 651

String Instrument Techniques

Introduction to the violin, viola, cello, and double bass with emphasis on practical experience in group and/or individual performance. Music education and composition majors are given priority for use of University-owned instruments. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 652

Foundations of Music Education

Examination of the historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of music education ith an emphasis on contemporary esearch-based theories. Offered in alternate year

MUS 653

Administration and Supervision in Music

A seminar in music administration at the public school level (K–12) for individuals involved or interested in the educational management of music. Topics may include faculty management, curriculum sequence, department image and balance, and state guidelines for music education. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

MUS 654

Counterpoint

Principles of melodic writing: two-, three-, and four-part counterpoint involving the use of imitation, augmentation, mirroring, and diminution. Offered as needed.

Counterpoint

Computer Techniques in Music Education

The current uses of personal computers and MIDI instruments for music education, including their applications in music theory, manuscript, performance, composition, and ear-training. No previous computer knowledge required. Offered in alternate years. NU only.

Organ History and Literature

Examination of the construction and repertoire of the pipe organ from its invention to the present day. Topics include iconography, mechanics, and acoustics, as well as cultural and societal interdependence. Open to nonorganists. Offered as needed.

MUS 657

Organ History and Literature

Examination of the construction and repertoire of the pipe organ from its invention to the present day. Iconography, mechanics, and acoustics, as well as cultural and societal interdependence, are included. Open to nonorganists. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 658

Psychology of Music

Examination of contemporary music learning theories with an emphasis on current research-based teaching methods. Offered in alternate years.

MUS 696

Thesis

May be repeated for degree credit up to 4 credits. NU only.

MUS 697

Special Studies

MUS 698

Graduate Recital

Composition majors may present (once each year) well-rehearsed public presentations of three to four works (or equivalent) in lieu of a single recital.

MUS 699

Final Examination

MUSI 610

Opera Workshop

Preparation and performance of scenes from opera or musical theatre. NU only.